Historic Milestone: KTSU 90.9 FM Officially Breaks Into Houston’s Top 20 Radio Market!

HOUSTON, TX — History has been made on the campus of Texas Southern University! KTSU 90.9 FM “The Choice” has officially reached a monumental benchmark, earning a coveted spot among the Top 20 radio stations in the competitive Houston-Galveston market.

The ranking comes from the latest Nielsen Audio PPM data, as reported by the Radio Research Consortium (RRC), and solidifies KTSU’s position as a major force in public broadcasting.

Competing on the National Stage

Breaking into the Top 20 is an extraordinary feat given the sheer size and competitive nature of local airwaves. The Houston-Galveston region ranks as the #6 largest radio market in the United States, boasting a massive audience of more than 6 million listeners. KTSU achieved this milestone while standing alongside over 60 commercial and non-commercial radio signals across a diverse range of formats.

“This is a defining moment for KTSU and for public radio in Houston,” said Ernest Walker, General Manager of KTSU 90.9 FM. “To be recognized alongside major commercial broadcasters speaks to the strength of our programming, the dedication of our team, and the deep connection we have with our community. This is what it looks like when culture, purpose, and strategy align.”

A Mission-First Approach That Wins

While commercial stations rely heavily on corporate structures, KTSU’s dramatic rise is driven by a mission-first framework. The station has successfully captured the hearts of Houstonians through its unique blend of music discovery, culturally responsive programming, and community-centered storytelling.

A large part of this ongoing success belongs to KTSU’s innovative dual-platform strategy. While the flagship 90.9 FM broadcast continues to anchor the community, its HD2 channel, “The Vibe,” has seen explosive interest by targeting emerging and younger audiences with its cutting-edge urban alternative format.

“This milestone reinforces the role of public media as a powerful and competitive force in today’s audio landscape,” Walker added. “We are not just serving our audience—we are growing it, elevating it, and expanding the reach of culturally relevant content across Houston and beyond.”

Looking Forward to 55

The celebration comes at a perfect time. As KTSU rapidly approaches its 55th anniversary, the station shows no signs of slowing down. Moving forward, the team is heavily focused on expanding its digital footprint through mobile streaming, ramping up massive community engagement initiatives, and providing the crucial experiential learning opportunities that prepare the next generation of media professionals.

To our listeners, our supporters, and our community: Thank you for choosing KTSU 90.9 FM. We did this together!

Want to stay connected? Download the official KTSU App today or stream us live anywhere at ktsuradio.com.